System and method for context transportation user experience

ABSTRACT

What is disclosed is a system to enable a user with an associated user device to receive a context dependent transportation experience, further wherein said system comprises a framework comprising one or more components, wherein said one or more components are coupled to each other and the user device via one or more interconnections; wherein said framework determines at least one context associated with said user and said user device; and wherein based on said determined context, said framework performs one or more actions.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to provision of services and content totransportation system users.

SUMMARY

A system to enable a user with an associated user device to receive acontext dependent transportation experience, further wherein said systemcomprises a framework comprising one or more components, wherein saidone or more components are coupled to each other and the user device viaone or more interconnections; wherein said framework determines at leastone context associated with said user and said user device; and whereinbased on said determined context, said framework performs one or moreactions.

A method to enable a user with an associated user device to receive acontext dependent transportation experience, further wherein said methodcomprises determining, by a framework, at least one context associatedwith said user and said user device, said framework comprising one ormore components, wherein said one or more components are coupled to eachother and the user device via one or more interconnections; and based onsaid determined at least one context, performing, by said framework, oneor more actions.

The foregoing and additional aspects and embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art inview of the detailed description of various embodiments and/or aspects,which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description ofwhich is provided next.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other advantages of the disclosure will becomeapparent upon reading the following detailed description and uponreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1A is an illustration of one embodiment of a framework.

FIG. 1B is an illustration of one embodiment of a user device.

FIG. 1C is an illustration of several different transportationcommunication subsystems communicating with a journey managementprocessing subsystem.

FIG. 1D is an illustration of an embodiment of a context processingsubsystem.

FIG. 2A is an illustration of a user connecting to differenttransportation communication subsystems and one or more externalnetworks.

FIG. 2B is an illustration of a process to determine context, and basedon the determined context, deliver content and perform servicesaccordingly.

FIG. 2C is an illustration of an alternative process to determinecontext.

FIG. 3A shows an example registration screen for the application toaccess the framework.

FIG. 3B shows an example login screen for the application to access theframework.

FIG. 4A shows an example of the application not presenting a full screenand a warning when the user device is connected to one or more externalnetworks.

FIG. 4B shows an example of the application presenting a full screen.

FIG. 5A shows an example embodiment of a settings screen.

FIGS. 6A-6D shows example embodiments of screens for planning a journey.

FIG. 7A shows an example embodiment of a screen to enable userinteraction with loyalty points and/or rewards programs.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate example embodiments of screens for users toreport damage and provide feedback.

FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate example embodiments of user interfaces to accesscontent provided by content providers.

FIG. 10A illustrates an example embodiment of a Frequently AskedQuestions (FAQ) screen.

FIG. 11A illustrates an example embodiment of an alert screen.

FIGS. 12A-12B illustrates an example embodiment of an interface to allowa user to make purchases from a hospitality and retail providerprocessing subsystem.

While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific embodiments or implementations have beenshown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detailherein. It should be understood, however, that the disclosure is notintended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, thedisclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of an invention as defined by theappended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Currently there are many applications to enable users to plan journeysfrom their mobile devices using transit or transportation systems.Examples include TransitApp, GOOGLE® Maps, CommuteStream, Moovit andConduent.

Delivering an enhanced transportation user experience is more likely tosucceed if some factors are taken into account. Firstly, knowledge of auser's context will assist in tailoring the transportation experience tothe user's needs, and thereby help deliver an enhanced transportationuser experience.

Secondly taking a holistic view of a user's transportation experience islikely to further enhance the user's transportation experience. As wasexplained in the article “Understanding commercial synergies betweenpublic transport and services located around public transport stations.”by Ferreira, Marta Campos, Vera Costa, Teresa Galvao Dias, and JoaoFalco e Cunha. Transportation Research Procedia 27 (2017): 125-132 andpresented at 20th EURO Working Group on Transportation Meeting, EWGT2017, 4-6 Sep. 2017, Budapest, Hungary (the “Ferreira reference”): “ . .. the transport system must be looked holistically and in context”.

The Ferreira reference goes on to state:

-   -   “Based on the fact that every trip has a purpose, such as work,        school, recreation, social, we propose a multiservice approach        in order to engage and attract new passengers to public        transport.    -   This multiservice approach consists of creating partnerships        among city services and public transport, in order to encourage        people to use cleaner transport modes during their daily        commute. These partnerships may include discounts, combined        packages, reduced prices, deals, marketing campaigns and others.        Such initiatives will contribute to modernize the image of        transport operators, improve quality of service, attract new        customers and retain the existing ones. On the other hand, it        will also boost local businesses, due to increased awareness,        loyalty and sales. Customers benefit from convenience,        availability, better services, and increased savings.”

The existing applications listed above have limited functionalities,meaning that these applications only take care of a limited number ofaspects related to a user's journey. For example, Transit App performsthe following functions:

Delivery of real-time service alerts to users;

Journey management; and

Integration with car sharing, bike sharing and ride sharing.

However there is no discussion of integration with retail, loyaltyprograms, discounts and so on.

The CommuteStream application assists in providing journey management;delivering targeted mobile advertising to transit users; and optimizesdelivery of advertising based on journey patterns of users. However,similar to Transit App there is very little discussion of integrationwith retail.

The Moovit application assists in providing real time transit analytics,and provides video to users via NETFLIX®. However there is very littlediscussion of integration with retail or other services.

The Conduent application assists in delivering personalized, hyperlocal,mobile offers to transit riders. However there is no discussion ofmeeting users' entertainment needs, for example.

The GOOGLE® Maps application provides journey management and real-timealerting functionalities. However, the GOOGLE® Maps application on itsown offers very little other than this.

Therefore each of these applications cited above do not take a holisticview of the user's transportation experience. These applications aretherefore less likely to enhance a user's transportation experience,when compared to an application which embraces a holistic view.

Therefore having a single application which embraces a holistic view ofthe user's transportation experience and delivers a transportationexperience customized to the user's context, has the effect of makingsuch an application a “one stop shop” for the user whenever he/shedecides to take a journey. This means that a user is unlikely to leavethe application once he/she has logged in. This makes such anapplication valuable to advertisers, since using the application as anadvertising channel gives advertisers greater exposure to users whenusers are undertaking journeys. If transportation system providers areable to share in the generated advertising revenue, this enablestransportation system providers to increase their overall revenue.

Furthermore, having users who are reluctant to leave the applicationmeans that more data related to the users can be recorded. This improvesthe accuracy of performing context processing and determination. Thisdata can also be used by transportation system providers to increase theaccuracy of future predictions based on user behavior, which improvesthe planning capabilities of the transportation system providers.

A system and method for a framework to provide a context dependenttransportation user experience in a holistic manner is presented below.As will be shown, this system and method provides for users' journeymanagement, entertainment and retail needs. It also provides for loyaltyprograms, and provides advertising revenue attribution for varioustransportation system providers.

FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of the system and method that is the subjectof this specification. User 101 is a user of a transportation system.User 101 has associated user device 102. User device 102 is, for examplea smartwatch, smartphone, tablet, laptop, or any appropriate computingand network-enabled device.

An embodiment of user device 102 is shown in FIG. 1B. Processor 102-1performs processing functions and operations necessary for the operationof user device 102, using data and programs stored in storage 102-2. Anexample of such a program is application 102-4 which will be discussedin more detail below. Display 102-3 performs the function of displayingdata and information for user 101. Input devices 102-5 allow user 101 toenter information. This includes, for example, devices such as a touchscreen, mouse, keypad, keyboard, microphone, camera, video camera and soon. In one embodiment, display 102-3 is a touchscreen which means it isalso part of input devices 102-5. Communications module 102-6 allowsuser device 102 to communicate with devices and networks external touser device 102. This includes, for example, communications viaBLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communications (NFC), Radio FrequencyIdentification (RFID), 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Universal SerialBus (USB) and other protocols known to those of skill in the art. Thecomponents of user device 102 are coupled to each other as shown in FIG.1B.

Framework 100 comprises various components as shown in FIG. 1A. Thesecomponents perform various functions necessary for the functioning ofthe system and method that is the subject of this specification. User101 connects to framework 100 via user device 102 and, for example,communications module 102-6. In some embodiments, user 101 communicateswith the components of framework 100 via the application 102-4 whichruns on user device 102 as shown in FIG. 1B.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1A, each of the components offramework 100 are coupled to each other and user device 102 viainterconnections 123. Interconnections 123 comprise a variety ofnetworking and communication technologies. In some embodiments,interconnections 123 comprise at least one public network. In someembodiments, interconnections 123 comprise at least one private network.In some embodiments, interconnections 123 comprise wireless technologiessuch as WiFi, BLUETOOTH®, NFC, 3G and LTE. In some embodiments,interconnections 123 comprise wired technologies such as Firewire,Universal Serial Bus (USB), Ethernet, optical networks. In someembodiments, interconnections 123 comprise Local Area Networks (LANs),Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs) and other appropriate networkingtechnologies. In some embodiments, interconnections 123 comprise one ormore subnetworks.

Transportation systems comprise, for example:

transit systems such as

-   -   subway systems,    -   surface rail systems,    -   tram/streetcar systems, and    -   bus systems; and

shared ride systems such as LIBER®, NETLIFT® and LYFT®;

bikesharing services such as BIXI®;

hourly rental services such as CAR2GO®;

connected car services such as TELUS® Drive+; and

long-distance transportation systems including

-   -   passenger flights,    -   long distance bus services, and    -   long-distance train services.

Transportation user processing subsystems 103-1 to 103-K perform thefunctions of storing and managing data for a user of a transportationsystem such as user 101. These functions include, for example, storingstored value tickets, determining fares, storing credit card informationfor payment of fares and tips, auto-loading funds from credit cardsbelonging to user 101 to replenish the value of a stored value ticketbelonging to user 101, storing fares paid and other informationbelonging to user 101 necessary to access a transportation system. Insome embodiments, one or more of these functions are performed bytransportation user processing subsystems 103-1 to 103-K in conjunctionwith third party payment processors.

In some embodiments, each transportation user processing subsystemstores and manages data for one or more transportation systems. As anexample, the METROLINK® PRESTO® subsystem stores and manages data for auser who uses any of the Toronto GO® Train transportation system, theToronto Transit Commission (TTC) system and the MiWay transportationsystem. In some embodiments, transportation user processing subsystems103-1 to 103-K communicates with user device 102 via application 102-4running on user device 102. In some embodiments, at least one of thetransportation user processing subsystems 103-1 to 103-K performsfunctions related to managing loyalty point and reward programs for user101 via user device 102. These rewards include, for example, farediscounts, transit authority merchandise, retail partner merchandise andother items. In some embodiments, the functions performed includehandling damage reports submitted via application 102-4. This includes,for example, receiving images of damaged equipment from a camera whichis part of input devices 102-5 on user devices 102, receiving textreports of damage equipment, and receiving tweets comprising informationon damaged equipment. In some embodiments, at least one of thetransportation user processing subsystems 103-1 to 103-K are used tooffer rewards to user device 102 via application 102-4.

A variety of implementations are possible for transportation userprocessing subsystems 103-1 to 103-K. In some embodiments, atransportation user processing subsystem is implemented using acombination of hardware and software. In some other embodiments, atransportation user processing subsystem is implemented using one ormore servers. In some embodiments, these servers are geographicallydistributed.

Journey management processing subsystem 104 performs functions necessaryto assist user 101 to plan a trip or journey. In some embodiments, user101 accesses this functionality using application 102-4 running on userdevice 102. User 101 is able to, for example, check travel optionsavailable in a region of interest, see custom alerts from one or moretransit agencies and purchase tickets ahead of time.

Using application 102-4 running on user device 102, a user 101 is ableto, for example, enter a starting point, end point and select a criteriawhich best suits their needs. Examples of criteria include price, leasttransfers, least walking, fastest route and first class options. Thenjourney management processing subsystem 104 calculates parameters suchas departure time, arrival times and journey duration in real time. Thisdata is then transmitted to user device 102 for display via, forexample, application 102-4 and display 102-3. In a further embodiment,journey management processing subsystem 104 communicates with one ormore mapping programs and services such as, for example, GOOGLE® Maps toenable user 101 to plan trips using user device 102 and application102-4. In further embodiments, application 102-4 interacts with otherapplications which run on user device 102 such as GOOGLE® Maps to enabletrip planning and management. In some embodiments, journey managementprocessing subsystem 104 offers journeys with multiple stages, eachstage using the same or a different mode of transportation. For example,in some embodiments journeys comprise one or more walking stagescombined with one or more rideshare or bikeshare stages and one or moretransit stages. In further embodiments, users have a choice of language.In other embodiments, users have a choice of viewing distances in eitherkilometres or miles.

In some embodiments, journey management processing subsystem 104 alsoprovides alerts to user device 102 via application 102-4. In some ofthese embodiments, journey management processing subsystem 104 receivesalerts from sources such as:

a transit authority's Rich Site Summary (RSS) feed,

one or more social media accounts belonging to a transit authority,

information from one or more websites belonging to a transit authority,and

direct entry by a developer working with a transit authority.

Then journey management processing subsystem 104 then provides alerts touser device 102 via application 102-4.

An example of the functioning of journey management processing subsystem104 is shown in FIG. 1C. In some embodiments, as is shown in FIG. 1C,each transportation system has its own transportation communicationsubsystem and transportation user processing subsystem. For example:

-   -   transportation system 201-1 has transportation communication        subsystem 107-1 and transportation user processing subsystem        103-1,    -   transportation system 201-2 has transportation communication        subsystem 107-2 and transportation user processing subsystem        103-2.

The transportation communication subsystems will be explained in furtherdetail below.

Returning to FIG. 1C, these communication subsystems and user processingsubsystems are coupled to each other and the journey managementprocessing subsystem 104 via interconnections 123. In some embodiments,journey management processing subsystem 104 obtains scheduling androuting data from various transportation systems such as transportationsystem 201-1 to 201-N of FIG. 1C. This is performed using, for example,application programming interfaces (APIs). The APIs download data fromeach transportation system. In some embodiments, the transportationsystems provide a feed of data. For example, as shown in FIG. 1C,transportation system 201-1 provides data feed 1C-01, transportationsystem 201-2 provides data feed 1C-02, and so on. In some embodiments,these data feeds are formatted according to a common format such asGeneral Transit Feed Specification (GTFS). The data feed includes, forexample:

Transportation system agency name, website, timezone and contactinformation;

Transportation system routes and related routing information;

Transportation system trips;

Transportation system stops, for example, train stations, streetcar/tramstops, bus stops;

Transportation system stop times; and

Calendars;

Then, journey management processing subsystem 104 uses the data providedby the data feeds and transportation user processing subsystems toassist the user in building a journey.

A variety of implementations are possible for journey managementprocessing subsystem 104. In some embodiments, journey managementprocessing subsystem 104 is implemented using a combination of hardwareand software. In some other embodiments, a journey management processingsubsystem 104 is implemented using one or more servers. In someembodiments, these servers are geographically distributed.

Hospitality and retail provider processing subsystem 105 in FIG. 1Aenables user 101 to purchase, for example, food, drink and other retailpurchases. In one embodiment, the application 102-4 running on userdevice 102 communicates with hospitality and retail provider processingsubsystem 105 to make such purchases. Examples of this will be furtherdetailed below. In some embodiments, user 101 uses application 102-4 toaccess one of transportation user processing subsystem 103-1 to 103-K toenable the use of a stored value card belonging to user 101 to make suchpurchases. In another embodiment, the application 102-4 running on userdevice 102 communicates with a payment processor such as Paysafe (see,for example, http://www.paysafe.com, retrieved Dec. 18, 2017) to acceptpayments from user 101.

A variety of implementations are possible for hospitality and retailprovider processing subsystem 105. In some embodiments, hospitality andretail provider processing subsystem 105 is implemented using acombination of hardware and software. In some other embodiments,hospitality and retail provider processing subsystem 105 is implementedusing one or more servers. In some embodiments, these servers aregeographically distributed.

Transportation communication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N perform functionsrelated to providing communications for users of a correspondingtransportation system. In some embodiments, as explained previously andshown in FIG. 1C each transportation system has its own transportationcommunication subsystem.

Functionalities provided by the transportation communication subsystemsinclude, for example,

-   -   providing WiFi connectivity on vehicles associated with the        transportation system and managing one or more WiFi connections,        including, for example:        -   providing carriage to carriage networks on trains,        -   providing access points for users such as user 101, and        -   maintaining a ground to train signal;    -   providing onboard servers which are connected to a cache or a        video on demand server to enable users to receive video on        demand content and other content; and    -   providing television and radio programs to users received via,        for example, satellite receivers. Sources for these television        and radio programs include providers such as the Canadian        Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), British Broadcasting Corporation        (BBC), Cable News Network (CNN), and so on.

As will be explained further below, in some embodiments, user device 102connects via transportation communication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N andinterconnections 123 to the components of framework 100 other thantransportation communication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N.

Content distribution network (CDN) 113 of FIG. 1A performs the functionof distributing services spatially relative to end-users such as user101 to provide high availability and high performance. Contentdistribution network 113 provides services such as:

Serving content such as

-   -   web objects including, for example, text, graphics and scripts,    -   downloadable objects including media files, software and        documents,    -   applications,    -   live streaming media,    -   on-demand streaming media, and    -   social networks.

web and mobile content acceleration,

In some embodiments, CDN 113 comprises a geographically distributednetwork of proxy servers so as to provide high availability and highperformance. These proxy servers are hosted by, for example, internetservice providers (ISPs), telecommunication carriers and networkoperators. In some embodiments, proxy servers are located on vehiclessuch as buses, trains and streetcars or trams. In some of theseembodiments, the application 104 looks for the closest proxy server tomake a connection. In some embodiments, the proxy server connects to anadvertising subsystem such as advertising collection and processingsubsystem 117, so that the advertising subsystem is able to determinewhere the connection came from. In some embodiments, the proxy servercaches data and information to enable rapid access by user devices.

In some embodiments, CDN 113 works together with transportationcommunication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N to perform functions.

Content provider processing subsystem 114 of FIG. 1A delivers contentfrom providers which have signed up to provide content. This includes,for example:

-   -   audio streams including, for example, radio and podcast        programs,    -   sports reports from sports data services providers such as        SportRadar. These include, for example, sports tickers;    -   weather reports,    -   news networks,    -   Local news providers,    -   Video on demand from providers such as Netflix, and    -   On demand television from providers such as Home Box Office        (HBO) and Entertainment One (eOne).

In some embodiments, content provider processing subsystem 114facilitates the provision of real time chat and video chat services.

In some embodiments, content provider processing subsystem 114 workstogether with transportation communication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N toperform functions.

A variety of implementations are possible for content providerprocessing subsystem 114. In some embodiments, content providerprocessing subsystem 114 is implemented using a combination of hardwareand software. In some other embodiments, content provider processingsubsystem 114 is implemented using one or more servers. In someembodiments, these servers are geographically distributed.

In some embodiments, user 101 is able to access content provided bycontent provider processing subsystem 114 using application 102-4.Examples will be presented further below.

Advertising collection and processing subsystem 117 performs thefollowing functions:

-   -   Serve advertisements and collect detailed statistics about user        interaction including, for example, impressions, clicks and        conversions;    -   Managing campaigns for multiple advertisers and from advertising        networks including, for example, providing an interface for        interaction.    -   Defining rules for delivery of campaigns and advertisements.        This includes, for example, frequency capping, Uniform Resource        Locator (URL) targeting and geo-targeting.    -   Tracking and reporting campaign performance and performing        analytics including calculating metrics such as click-through        rates, conversion rates, effective cost per mille (eCPM), basket        value and number of items purchased.        In some embodiments, advertising collection and processing        subsystem 117 runs programs such as Revive Adserver. More        details about Revive Adserver can be found at, for example,        https://www.revive-adserver.com/, retrieved Dec. 18, 2017.

In a further embodiment, advertising collection and processing subsystem117 presents advertisements to user device 102 using application 102-4.This will be discussed in further detail below.

A variety of implementations are possible for advertising collection andprocessing subsystem 117. In some embodiments, advertising collectionand processing subsystem 117 is implemented using a combination ofhardware and software. In some other embodiments, advertising collectionand processing subsystem 117 is implemented using one or more servers.In some embodiments, these servers are geographically distributed.

Location identification and tracking processing subsystem 119 performsthe functions such as, for example:

-   -   Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) tracking of users such as        user 101, including, for example, receiving GPS data from        servers and serving data to user devices such as user device        102; and    -   Creating location-based data for users such as user 101        including        -   Obtaining all location records for users such as user 101,        -   Obtaining last location reading for users such as user 101,            and        -   Creating location records for users such as user 101.

In a further embodiment, location identification and tracking processingsubsystem 119 communicates with one or more mapping programs andservices such as, for example, GOOGLE® Maps to enable user 101 to plantrips using user device 102 and application 102-4.

In some embodiments, location identification and tracking processingsubsystem 119 works together with journey management processingsubsystem 104 to, for example, assist a user to track the progress of atrip via a map displayed on application 102-4.

A variety of implementations are possible for location identificationand tracking processing subsystem 119. In some embodiments, locationidentification and tracking processing subsystem 119 is implementedusing a combination of hardware and software. In some other embodiments,location identification and tracking processing subsystem 119 isimplemented using one or more servers. In some embodiments, theseservers are geographically distributed.

Context processing subsystem 121 performs functions related todetermining one or more contexts associated with user devices such asuser device 102. In general, the context of an entity is informationdescribing the past environment; present environment; or the past andpresent environments surrounding the entity in the digital and physicalworlds. Then the context of a user device such as user device 102 isinformation describing the past environment; present environment; or thepast and present environments surrounding user device 102 in the digitaland physical worlds.

In some embodiments, the context of a user device additionally comprisesthe context of the one or more users who utilize the device. Forexample, in some embodiments, the context of user device 102 comprisesthe context of user 101. The context of a user such as user 101 isinformation describing the past environment; present environment; or thepast and present environments surrounding user 101 in the digital andphysical worlds. This encompasses information such as user 101 location,time of day, time of year, season, user 101 motion, user 101 searchhistory, weather experienced by user 101, loyalty programs that user 101is part of, past history of user 101, past interaction history of user101 with a particular vendor, relationship with user device 102, whetherthe device is fixed or mobile, browsing history of user 101, video andaudio stream viewing history of user 101, email reading history of user101, network connection history of user 101 and so on. Therefore,context can provide deep insights into what user 101 may want to do,see, hear, purchase, browse, and so on. In some embodiments, user 101and user device 102 has more than one context.

An embodiment of context processing subsystem 121 is provided in FIG.1D. In FIG. 1D, context processing subsystem 121 comprises contextprocessing unit 121-1 and database 121-2. Context processing unit 121-1performs the functions necessary to determine one or more contexts ofuser 101 and user device 102. It does these by, for example, acquiringdata from the other components of FIG. 1 such as transportationcommunication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N, content provider processingsubsystem 114, advertising collection and processing subsystem 117 andlocation identification and tracking processing subsystem 119. As willbe explained below, in some embodiments, context processing unit 121-1determines contexts based on a combination of environmental factors. Insome embodiments, context processing unit 121-1 determines contexttogether with the other components of framework 100, for example, basedon data received from the other components of framework 100.

As shown in FIG. 1D, context processing unit 121-1 is coupled todatabase 121-2. Database 121-2 stores context corresponding to eachuser. For example, with reference to FIG. 1D, context 121-3-1corresponds to one user, context 121-3-2 corresponds to a differentuser, and so on until context 121-3-M. Then, after context processingunit 121-1 determines a context corresponding to a user such as user 101and user device 102, this context is stored in database 121-2.

In some embodiments, after context processing unit 121-1 determines thecontext of user 101 and user device 102, this context data iscommunicated via interconnections 123 to the other components offramework 100 and user device 102. Based on the determination of thecontext of the user 101 and user device 102 performed by contextprocessing subsystem 121, actions are performed by the appropriatecomponents of framework 100 for application 102-4 running on the userdevice 102. Examples of actions performed include:

-   -   the sponsored transportation system, and the region the user is        located in, is determined;    -   services are performed for user 101 via application 102-4        running on user device 102;    -   content is then made available to user 101 via application 102-4        running on user device 102 by, for example CDN 113 and content        provider processing subsystem 114;    -   advertising and marketing campaigns targeted to user 101 are        carried out via application 102-4 running on user device 102 by,        for example, advertising collection and processing subsystem        117;    -   advertising revenue attribution is performed by, for example,        advertising collection and processing subsystem 117;    -   bandwidth restrictions are set by, for example, the        transportation communication subsystem that user device 102 is        connected to;    -   application 102-4 themes are determined;    -   service alerts are delivered to application 102-4;    -   fare portions are deducted by the appropriate transportation        user processing subsystems; and    -   locally customized news such as weather is delivered by, for        example, content provider processing subsystem 114.

In one embodiment, context determination is automatically performed. Anexample of automatic determination is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In FIG.2A, user 101 and user device 102 are moving through transportationsystem 201-1 to 201-N via system 201-2. In step 2C-01 of FIG. 2B, userdevice 102 connects to a transportation communication subsystem via aconnection routed over interconnections 123 and transmits a set of userdevice signals via this connection. For example, when user device 102 isin transportation system 201-1, it connects to transportationcommunication subsystem 107-1 via connection 202-1, which is routed overinterconnections 123. User device 102 then continually transmits a setof user device signals via connection 202-1. In some embodiments, theuser device signals are transmitted by application 102-4 running on userdevice 102. In addition to user device signals, in some embodiments,other signals associated with user device 102 are also transmitted. Theuser device signals comprise, for example, data transmitted as a resultof user 101 interaction with user device 102 and application 102-4 suchas

-   -   user logins;    -   data indicating which network user device 102 is connected to;    -   data indicating which content is being used by the user;    -   Internet Protocol (IP) Address;    -   identifying information for user device 102 such as Service Set        Identifier (SSID);    -   service requests transmitted to framework 100 from application        102-4, including for example:    -   requests for trip or journey planning, and    -   requests for user content    -   location-identifying information such as GPS coordinates; and    -   date and time.

In step 2C-02 the network or transportation communication subsystemconnected to user device 102 generates a set of signals based on atleast one of the set of user device signals and other signals associatedwith user device 102. This generated set of signals is then acquired bythe various components of FIG. 1 via interconnections 123. For example,transportation communication subsystem 107-1 generates a first set ofsignals based on at least one of the set of user device signals andother signals associated with user device 102 in transportationcommunication subsystem 107-1. Then the various components of FIG. 1acquire this first set of signals via interconnections 123. In oneembodiment, this acquisition occurs via a “push” process, that is,transportation communication subsystem 107-1 transmits the first set ofsignals to the various components of FIG. 1 without prompting. Inanother embodiment, this acquisition occurs via a “pull” fashion i.e.transportation communication subsystem 107-1 transmits the first set ofsignals to the other components in FIG. 1 when prompted.

In step 2C-03, the various components of FIG. 1 perform variousprocessing operations based on the generated first set of signals. Forexample, with reference to the example above, location identificationand tracking subsystem 119 acquires the generated first set of signalsvia interconnections 123. Then, location identification and trackingsubsystem 119 identifies the location of user device 102 and user 101based on the acquired first set of signals. The results of theseprocessing operations are transmitted to the other components viainterconnections 123.

In step 2C-04, the context processing subsystem 121 receives the resultsof the various processing operations performed in step 2C-03, and usesthese results to determine the context of user 101 and user device 102.Based on the results, the context of user 101 and user device 102 areupdated if necessary. The results of the context determination are madeavailable by context processing subsystem 121 to the components of FIG.1 via interconnections 123.

Based on the determined context in step 2C-04, in some embodiments instep 2C-05 the various components of FIG. 1 perform actions as explainedabove. In some embodiments, as part of these actions, services areperformed for the user. For example, journey management processingsubsystem 104 delivers a service alert to application 102-4 running onuser device 102 based on the determined context. As explained above,advertising collection and processing subsystem 117 presentsadvertisements to user device 102 using application 102-4. In someembodiments, these advertisements are personalized and targeted based onuser and user device contexts. For example, if the user 101 istravelling to a Toronto Blue Jays game at Rogers Centre, thenadvertisements for businesses along the user route are delivered. Insome embodiments, these services are performed for other parties such astransportation system providers. For example, if the user 101 istravelling through transportation systems 201-1 to 201-N on a singleticket, then in transportation system 201-1, transportation userprocessing subsystem 103-1 determines the portion of the fare consumedwhen travelling through transportation system 201-1, and deducts thisportion of the fare from the ticket. While the user is in transportationsystem 201-1, advertising collection and processing subsystem 117attributes a first revenue amount connected to advertising consumed bythe user 101 via user device 102 to transportation system 201-1. In someembodiments, the various components in FIG. 1 deliver content to userdevice 102.

Steps 2C-01 to 2C-05 are then continually repeated.

Another example is as follows: When user device 102 and user 101 exitstransportation system 201-1 and enters transportation system 201-2,steps 2C-01 to 2C-04 are performed with the following changes:

-   -   In step 2C-01, user device 102 connects to transportation        communication subsystem 107-2 via connection 202-2 which is also        routed over interconnections 123. Application 102-4 running on        user device 102 then continually transmits a set of user device        signals via connection 202-2.    -   In step 2C-02 transportation communication subsystem 107-2 then        generates a second set of signals based on the set of user        device signals transmitted by user device 102 over connection        202-2.    -   Steps 2C-03 to 2C-05 are repeated based on this second set of        signals. For example, with specific reference to entry into        transportation system 201-2:        -   If user 101 was viewing a specific video on demand via            connection 202-1, then based on the user device signals and            the first set of signals generated by transportation            communication subsystem 107-1, the relevant components of            framework 100 such as content provider processing subsystem            114 are able to identify the video watched and the amount of            time elapsed.        -   When the user 101 switches to transportation system 201-2            then based on the second set of signals generated by            transportation communication subsystem 107-2, the specific            video is cached and made available by content provider            processing subsystem 114 for the user to resume watching the            video over connection 202-2. In some embodiments, the user            resumes watching from the elapsed time corresponding to the            user exiting transportation system 201-1;        -   If the user 101 is embarking on a journey where user 101 is            travelling through transportation systems 201-1 to 201-N on            a single ticket, in transportation system 201-2 a second            portion of the fare related to the ticket is deducted based            on the second set of signals generated by transportation            communication subsystem 107-2; and        -   In transportation system 201-2 advertising collection and            processing subsystem 117 attributes a second revenue amount            connected to advertising consumed by the user 101 via user            device 102 based on the second set of signals generated by            transportation communication subsystem 107-2.

The process above is performed for every transportation system that userdevice 102 and user 101 enters.

In some embodiments, there are one or more networks which are externalto framework 100, and are different from the transportationcommunication subsystems provided by transportation systems 201-1 to201-N. These one or more external networks 125 are connected toframework 100 and user device 102 via interconnections 123 shown inFIG. 1. In some embodiments, user device 102 couples to framework 100via these one or more external networks 125 and interconnections 123.

An example of this is shown in FIG. 2A: User device 102 connects to oneor more external networks 125 via connection 202-3 which is routed overinterconnections 123. User device 102 then continually transmits a setof signals via connection 202-3 to one or more external networks 125.The process outlined above in steps 2C-01 to 2C-05 is still performedwith one or more external networks 125 used in place of transportationcommunication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N. However, when the contextdetermination is performed, it is different from the situation above dueto the connection running through one or more external networks 125.Then, in some embodiments, based on this different context, the servicesperformed and content delivered are changed compared to the previoussituation due to the fact that the transportation communicationsubsystems 107-1 to 107-N are not used. For example,

Some content is not delivered or made available to the user device 102,and

Some services are not performed by the components of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2C shows another embodiment for context determination. In step2D-01, user device 102 creates a request and transmits the request via aconnection routed over interconnections 123. In further embodiments, theapplication 102-4 running on user device 102 creates a request forcontext processing subsystem 121 to determine if context has changed.This is performed if, for example:

-   -   The user device 102 is disconnected from its current Service Set        Identifier (SSID), for example when it disconnects from one of        transportation communication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N;    -   The user device 102 joins a new SSID, when, for example, it        connects to a new one of transportation communication subsystems        107-1 to 107-N; or    -   Periodic checks are performed to see if the context has changed.        For example, the application 102-4 is set to periodically check        if context has changed to ensure context integrity.

In some embodiments, the request comprises the current Service SetIdentifier (SSID) and auxiliary data necessary to ensure the request isfulfilled. In some embodiments, the current SSID corresponds to thetransportation communication subsystem that user device 102 is currentlyconnected to.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary data comprises, for example

IP Address;

location-identifying information such as GPS coordinates; and

date and time.

As previously explained, in some embodiments the request is created byuser device 102 to determine if context has changed. Also as previouslyexplained, the request comprises the current SSID and auxiliary datasuch as:

IP Address;

location-identifying information such as GPS coordinates; and

date and time.

In step 2D-02, based on the request received from user device 102, asexplained previously context is determined by context processing unit121-1. In some embodiments, context processing unit 121-1 works with theother components of framework 100 to determine context. For example,context processing unit 121-1 may work with location identifying andtracking subsystem 119 and journey management processing subsystem 104to determine context.

In step 2D-03, the determined context is communicated viainterconnections 123 to the other components of framework 100 and userdevice 102. Then actions are performed by the appropriate components offramework 100. Examples of these actions have been detailed previously.In some embodiments, in response to application 102-4 initiating arequest for context determination, the context processing subsystem 121sends back information comprising, for example:

data regarding the theme of the application 102-4 to be presented to theuser 101; and

links to libraries of resources available for logos and contentlibraries;

By supplying links to libraries of resources available, the files withinthe libraries can be stored at one or more proxy servers which form partof CDN 113 and retrieved as needed. This potentially reduces workload onback end servers and improves response time.

Application 102-4 of FIG. 1A will now be discussed in detail. In someembodiments, application 102-4 is made available to a user such as user101 via an application store or marketplace such as GOOGLE® PLAY® storeor the APPLE APP STORE®. The user 101 then downloads application 102-4from the application store or marketplace.

Once this is complete, the user then registers or signs up to become auser of framework 100 from application 102-4. An example of aregistration screen or interface 3A-01 to achieve this is shown in FIG.3A. In FIG. 3A, interface 3A-01 comprises one or more areas 3A-02-1 to3A-02-N to enter user details, such as name, email address, preferredpassword, gender, address and so on. Once this is complete, user 101completes the registration process by activating signup or registerbutton 3A-03 via, for example, pressing on the button 3A-03. Controls3A-04 enables the user to move around within application 102-4.Furthermore, screen 3A-01 and the screens detailed below have associatedappearances. In some embodiments, each appearance comprises acorresponding theme. The theme comprises, for example, icons andcolours. Then in some embodiments, the theme is customized to thecontext determined by the context processing subsystem 121. For example,area 3A-05 is used for icons related to the transportation system thatthe user is travelling in. These icons include features such as, forexample, transportation system logo and name. In some embodiments, thecolours used match the colours of the transportation system.

After this process is completed, the user 101 logs in to use theframework 100 using a login screen as shown in FIG. 3B. In FIG. 3B,login screen 3B-01 comprises one or more login areas 3B-02-1 to 3B-02-Nto enter login details including user identification and authenticationinformation including, for example, user name or email and password.Once this is complete, the user 101 activates login button 3B-03. If theuser wishes to move around within the app, the user does so usingcontrols 3B-04. Area 3B-05 is used for decorative icons such as, forexample, transportation system logo and name.

Additionally, as explained previously, some services are restricted andsome content is not made available when a user is coupled to framework100 via one or more external networks 125. In some embodiments, theapplication 102-4 restricts access of user 101 and user device 102 whenuser 101 is on one or more external networks 125 by not presenting afull screen, and a warning.

An example embodiment of this is shown in FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4A, overlay4A-01 is generated by application 102-4. Overlay 4A-01 restricts accessof user 101. In some embodiments, overlay 4A-01 is translucent. Inothers, it is opaque. Furthermore warning 4A-02 is also presented.Warning 4A-02 comprises, for example, text to warn the user that inorder for the user to access restricted services and content, the usermust be connected to a transportation communication subsystem such astransportation communication subsystem 107-1 of FIG. 2B. In someembodiments, warning 4A-02 also comprises a button to close the warningif necessary. Controls 4A-03 enable the user to move around theapplication 102-4 to, for example, access non-restricted content andservices.

Restricting the access of the user 101 when user 101 is connected via anexternal network 125 has the effect of making the user 101 reluctant toleave the application 102-4. As explained above, increasing thedifficulty for user 101 to leave the application has the effect ofmaking application 102-4 more valuable as an advertising channel foradvertisers. It also assists context processing subsystem 121 inincreasing the accuracy of determining the context associated with user101. It also allows more data related to users to be recorded andprovided to transportation system providers, so as to improve accuracyof prediction and thereby improve planning.

When the user device 102 connects to one of transportation communicationsubsystems 107-1 to 107-N, the application 102-4 presents a full screenhome page to the user. An example embodiment of a home page 4B-01 isshown in FIG. 4B. In home page 4B-01, top area 4B-02 includes, forexample, buttons to show settings, notifications and transportationsystem logo and name. Menu 4B-03 allows the user 101 to navigate withinthe application 102-4 by selecting items within menu 4B-03. Area 4B-04presents, for example, most recent additions or service updates. Usersare also able to see other information such as trip progress, rates andschedules, news headlines in areas 4B-05-1 to 4B-05-4. Controls 4B-06enable the user to move around the application 102-4 as necessary.

Users are also able to customize the settings of application 102-4 totheir liking. In one embodiment, user 101 customizes the settings ofapplication 102-4 on user device 102 via a settings screen. An exampleembodiment of such a settings screen 5A-01 is shown in FIG. 5A. Inscreen 5A-01, user 101 customizes settings in area 5A-02. An example ofsuch a setting is language, as shown in FIG. 5A. Examples of othersettings include choice of displaying a sports ticker, choosing languagesettings, choosing between kilometres and miles and so on. Controls5A-03 enable the user to move around the application 102-4 as necessary.

As explained previously, user 101 is able to plan journeys by accessingjourney management processing subsystem 104 using application 102-4.FIGS. 6A to 6D shows example embodiments of screens for planning ajourney. In FIG. 6A, interface 6A-01 is presented to allow the user 101to plan a journey. The user 101 enters the starting point and end pointin area 6A-03. In area 6A-04 the user 101 selects a routing option basedon criteria which best suits their needs. Example routing optionsinclude lowest price, fastest route, most comfortable, route with leasttransfers, and routes which use a transportation system of the user'schoice. Button 6A-05 allows user 101 to select a departure date and adeparture time. Map 6A-02-01 allows the user to see the chosen trip.Resize button 6A-02-02 allows the user to size the map 6A-02-01 asnecessary. In some embodiments, the map is provided by an externalprovider such as, for example, GOOGLE®. Controls 6A-06 enable the userto move around the application 102-4 as necessary.

In FIGS. 6B and 6C application 102-4 presents detailed journeymanagement information obtained from, for example, journey managementprocessing subsystem 104. FIG. 6B shows an interface 6B-01. Map 6B-02-01is a larger version of map 6A-02-01 presented in FIG. 6A. In someembodiments, map 6B-02-01 provides a visual depiction of the progress ofthe journey, based on information received from journey managementprocessing subsystem 104. This includes, for example, journey startpoint, end point and current location. Resize button 6B-02-02 allows theuser 101 to size the map as necessary. Area 6B-03 is used to, forexample, display starting and end points of the journey as well as otherinformation such as distance and time to complete the journey. Button6B-04 allows the user to indicate when the journey has ended. Area 6B-05displays each stage of the journey. In one embodiment, user 101 scrollsdown to see more information about the journey in area 6B-05. Controls6B-06 enables the user to move around the application 102-4 asnecessary.

FIG. 6C is an example embodiment where the user has scrolled down witharea 6B-05. 6B-01, 6B-03, 6B-04 and 6B-06 have been previously explainedin relation to FIG. 6B. As explained previously, multiple stages6C-05-01 to 6C-05-03 are shown in area 6B-05. In some embodiments, eachof the multiple stages 6C-05-01 to 6C-05-03 represent portions of theoverall journey. In some embodiments, each of the multiple stages6B-05-01 to 6B-05-03 are associated with one or more transportationsystems. This information is obtained from, for example, journeymanagement processing subsystem 104.

In FIG. 6D the home screen 4B-01 is presented, and in area 4B-04 updatedjourney information, departure times, arrival times and journey durationare also presented. As explained previously, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6Bin some embodiments application 102-4 interacts with other applicationsrunning on user device 102 to enable trip or journey planning andmanagement. The information obtained via such interactions are thenshown on the relevant interfaces or screens of application 102-4.

Users are also able to interact with transportation systems for loyaltypoints and rewards via application 102-4. As explained previously, insome embodiments, transportation user processing subsystem 103-1 to103-K performs functions related to managing loyalty point and rewardprograms for user 101. Then, in some embodiments, application 102-4interacts with transportation user processing subsystem 103-1 to 103-Kto perform these functions.

FIG. 7A shows one embodiment of a screen to enable this interaction.Screen 7A-01 shows rewards which have been obtained by user 101 in area7A-02. In some embodiments, detailed information including total rewardsobtained, rewards used and individual rewards given; and associateddates are shown in area 7A-02. Controls 7A-03 enables the user to movearound the application 102-4 as necessary. In some embodiments, screen7A-01 includes controls to enable the user 101 to claim rewards.

Users are also able to report damage and provide feedback usingapplication 102-4. As explained previously, in some embodiments,transportation user processing subsystem 103-1 to 103-K performsfunctions related to receiving damage reports. Then, in someembodiments, application 102-4 interacts with transportation userprocessing subsystem 103-1 to 103-K to perform these functions.

Example screens to enable this are presented in FIGS. 8A-8C. In FIG. 8A,screen 8A-01 allows a user to report damage using area 8A-02. Controls8A-03 enable the user to move around the application 102-4 as necessary.

FIG. 8B shows screen 8A-01 with area 8A-02 and controls 8A-03 asdescribed previously. Buttons 8B-01 allow a user to take a picture toinclude within a damage report submitted to transportation userprocessing subsystem 103-1 to 103-K, and cancel taking such a picture.Area 8B-02 is an overlay.

FIG. 8C shows screen 8A-01 with areas 8A-02 and 8B-01; and controls8A-03 as described previously. Area 8C-01 allows a user to report damageand share pictures using one or more messaging applications such as, forexample, Skype, Android Beam, Whatsapp, Gmail.

As explained previously, users are able to access content provided bycontent provider processing subsystem 114 from application 102-4. FIGS.9A to 9D show example embodiments of interfaces from application 102-4to achieve this.

In FIG. 9A, a content display screen is shown. Screen 9A-01 is oneexample of example of content provision, that is, provision of streamingbroadcast content. Area 9A-02 shows one or more channels that user 101can stream content from. Area 9A-03 shows, for example, a programmingguide for the channel that is being shown. Area 9A-04 is a menu, withselector 9A-07 on the currently selected menu item. 9A-05 is a broadcaststreaming viewer. In some embodiments, screen 9A-05 comprises one ormore controls including buttons and sliders such as pause button, playbutton, volume control, selecting positions within the stream and mutebutton. In a further embodiment, in addition to content, advertisementsare also displayed on viewer 9A-05.

In FIG. 9B, yet another content display screen 9B-01 is shown. In thiscase, a user 101 can select a video from area 9B-02 by, for example,pressing on a button corresponding to one of the videos in area 9B-02.Menu 9B-03 and selector 9B-04 are similar to menu 9A-04 and selector9A-07 respectively.

FIG. 9C shows another example of a content display screen 9C-01. Screen9C-01 is 9C-01 is an example of a screen for provision of streamingradio and podcasts. Area 9C-02 shows one or more radio channels orpodcasts that user 101 can experience content from. Area 9C-05 shows,for example, a programming guide for the channel that is being shown.Area 9C-03 is a menu with selector 9C-04 on the currently selected menuitem. 9C-06 is a radio streaming screen. In one embodiment, 9C-06includes controls such as buttons or sliders to enable a user to pauseaudio, play audio, mute audio, perform tracking functions such as fastforward or increase the volume.

FIG. 9D shows another example of a content display screen 9D-01. Screen9D-01 is an example of a screen for either rental or purchase of videocontent. Area 9D-02 shows, for example, information associated with thevideo such as the title, synopsis, cast of the video, year of releaseand running time. Area 9D-03 comprises one or more buttons for rental orpurchase of the video. In some embodiments it includes a button for auser to watch a trailer. 9D-04 is, for example, an area to display animage associated with the video such as a theatrical release poster.

Users are also able to navigate and seek help for usage of variouselements of the application 102-4 using a Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) screen. An example FAQ screen 10A-01 is shown in FIG. 10A. In FIG.10A, screen 10A-01 shows one or more questions and answers. In someembodiments, the answers to the questions in the FAQ are presented usinga video demonstration to allow users to understand how to performvarious functions. Examples of this are items 10A-02 to 10A-04. In someembodiments, answers are presented in the form of text and images. Anexample is item 10A-05. Controls 10A-06 allow user 101 to move aroundapplication 102-4.

As explained previously, user 101 is able to read alerts submitted touser device 102 from journey management processing subsystem 104 usingapplication 102-4. An example embodiment of a screen 11A-01 to enablethis is shown in FIG. 11A. In screen 11A-01, items 11A-02, 11A-03 and11A-04 are presented to the user 101. In some embodiment, these alertsinclude information about delays, closures and alternative routes beingused. Controls 11A-05 allow user 101 to move around application 102-4.

As explained previously, user 101 is also able to access hospitality andretail provider processing subsystem 105 to make purchases viaapplication 102-4. An example embodiment of an interface to achieve thisis presented in FIGS. 12A and 12B. In FIG. 12A interface 12A-01 enablesa user to purchase items as necessary. Area 12A-02 shows items 12A-02-01to 12A-02-04 for sale. In some embodiments, these include, for example,descriptions of the items and the sale prices. User 101 selects an itemby pressing on it. 12A-03 is a menu to allow a user to navigate to otherparts of application 102-4. Controls 12A-04 allow a user to navigate toother apps within the mobile device.

FIG. 12B presents interface 12B-01 to allow a user to purchase one ormore items. Menu 12B-02 allows user 101 to navigate around application102-4 to other pages within the application. Shopping cart area 12B-03shows one or more items such as item 12B-03-01 which the user 101intends to purchase. 12B-04 displays the total of the intended purchasesin shopping cart area 12B-03. Button 12B-05 allows a user 101 to payusing, for example, a credit card. In some embodiments 12B-05 is aslider. In further embodiments, when the user 101 activates button12B-05, the user is presented with a plurality of payment options.Controls 12B-06 allow the user to navigate to other applications withinthe mobile device.

In some embodiments, application 102-4 interacts with other applicationsrunning on user device 102 to perform necessary functions. For example,as explained previously and shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, application 102-4interacts with applications such as GOOGLE® Maps to perform journeyplanning. Other interactions are also possible. As shown in FIG. 8C,application 102-4 interacts with other applications to enable damagereporting.

The processes described above can be applied to deliver contextdependent user experiences in situations other than transportation. Forexample, in some embodiments, in addition to transportationcommunication subsystems 107-1 to 107-N, there are other communicationsubsystems associated with owners of:

stores;

shopping malls,

cinemas, and

office buildings.

Then part of the context determination will comprise determining whichcommunication subsystem the user device is connected to. Then differentactions as detailed above are performed based on the communicationsubsystem the user device is connected to.

The advantages of such an arrangement are as follows: Instead of a userhaving to download different apps when the user visits different stores,the user downloads one app which is able to interface to the framework100. Based on the determined context, the appearance of the app and theappropriate actions are performed as detailed above.

Although the algorithms described above including those with referenceto the foregoing flow charts have been described separately, it shouldbe understood that any two or more of the algorithms disclosed hereincan be combined in any combination. Any of the methods, algorithms,implementations, or procedures described herein can includemachine-readable instructions for execution by: (a) a processor, (b) acontroller, and/or (c) any other suitable processing device. Anyalgorithm, software, or method disclosed herein can be embodied insoftware stored on a non-transitory tangible medium such as, forexample, a flash memory, a CD-ROM, a floppy disk, a hard drive, adigital versatile disk (DVD), or other memory devices, but persons ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the entirealgorithm and/or parts thereof could alternatively be executed by adevice other than a controller and/or embodied in firmware or dedicatedhardware in a well-known manner (e.g., it may be implemented by anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logicdevice (PLD), a field programmable logic device (FPLD), discrete logic,etc.). Also, some or all of the machine-readable instructionsrepresented in any flowchart depicted herein can be implemented manuallyas opposed to automatically by a controller, processor, or similarcomputing device or machine. Further, although specific algorithms aredescribed with reference to flowcharts depicted herein, persons ofordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many othermethods of implementing the example machine readable instructions mayalternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocksmay be changed, and/or some of the blocks described may be changed,eliminated, or combined.

It should be noted that the algorithms illustrated and discussed hereinas having various modules which perform particular functions andinteract with one another. It should be understood that these modulesare merely segregated based on their function for the sake ofdescription and represent computer hardware and/or executable softwarecode which is stored on a computer-readable medium for execution onappropriate computing hardware. The various functions of the differentmodules and units can be combined or segregated as hardware and/orsoftware stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium as above asmodules in any manner, and can be used separately or in combination.

While particular implementations and applications of the presentdisclosure have been illustrated and described, it is to be understoodthat the present disclosure is not limited to the precise constructionand compositions disclosed herein and that various modifications,changes, and variations can be apparent from the foregoing descriptionswithout departing from the spirit and scope of an invention as definedin the appended claims.

1-40. (canceled)
 41. A system to enable a user with an associated userdevice to receive a context dependent transportation experience, thesystem comprising: one or more components coupled to each other and theuser device via one or more interconnections, the one or more componentscomprising: one or more transportation user processing subsystems, acontext processing subsystem, an advertising collection and processingsubsystem, and a first transportation communication subsystem associatedwith a first transportation system; the context processing subsystemdetermines at least one context associated with the user device, thedetermination of the at least one context comprising determining thatthe user device is coupled to the first transportation communicationsubsystem, and transmits, via the one or more interconnections, thedetermined at least one context to the advertising collection andprocessing subsystem and the one or more transportation user processingsubsystems; the advertising collection and processing subsystemattributes a first advertising revenue to the first transportationsystem; and the one or more transportation user processing subsystemsdeducting one or more portions from a ticket.
 42. The system of claim41, further wherein the one or more components comprises a secondtransportation communication subsystem associated with a secondtransportation system; the determination of the at least one contextcomprises determining that the user device is coupled to the secondtransportation communication subsystem; and the advertising collectionand processing subsystem attributes a second advertising revenue to thesecond transportation system.
 43. The system of claim 41, furtherwherein the one or more transportation user processing subsystemscomprises a first transportation user processing subsystem associatedwith the first transportation system; the determination of the at leastone context comprises determining that the user is travelling within thefirst transportation system; and the first transportation userprocessing subsystem deducts a first of the one or more portions fromthe ticket based on the determined at least one context.
 44. The systemof claim 43, further wherein the one or more transportation userprocessing subsystems comprises a second transportation user processingsubsystem associated with a second transportation system; thedetermination of at least one context comprises determining that theuser is travelling within the second transportation system; and thesecond transportation user processing subsystem deducts a second of theone or more portions from the ticket based on the determined at leastone context.
 45. The system of claim 41, wherein: an application isinstalled on the user device; and an appearance of the application isbased on the determined at least one context.
 46. The system of claim41, wherein: an application is installed on the user device; the one ormore components comprises a journey management subsystem; the contextprocessing subsystem transmits the determined at least one context tothe journey management subsystem via the one or more interconnections;and the journey management subsystem delivers a service alert to theuser device via the application based on the determined at least onecontext.
 47. The system of claim 46, wherein the journey managementsubsystem communicates with the user device to enable tracking on a mappresented by the application.
 48. The system of claim 41, wherein: theone or more components comprises a location identification and trackingprocessing subsystem; the location identification and trackingprocessing subsystem performs identification of a location associatedwith the user device; and the determination of the at least one contextis performed based on the identified location.
 49. The system of claim41, wherein one or more external networks are coupled to the one or morecomponents via the one or more interconnections; an application isinstalled on the user device; the user device is coupled to the one ormore components via the one or more external networks; the determinationof the at least one context comprises determining that the user deviceis coupled to the one or more components via the one or more externalnetworks; and the application restricts access of the user device to oneor more services and content provided by the one or more componentsbased on the determination of the user device coupling via the one ormore external networks.
 50. The system of claim 41, wherein thedetermination of the at least one context is performed: eitherautomatically based on a set of user device signals sent by the userdevice via the one or more interconnections, or based on a requesttransmitted from the user device via the one or more interconnections,wherein the request comprises service set identifier data and auxiliarydata; and the one or more components comprises a content distributionnetwork, the content distribution network comprising one or more proxyservers, the one or more components transmits one or more links tolibraries of resources available, the libraries comprising a pluralityof files, and the plurality of files stored at the one or more proxyservers.
 51. A method to enable a user with an associated user device toreceive a context dependent transportation experience using one or morecomponents coupled to each other and the user device via one or moreinterconnections, the one or more components comprising: a contextprocessing subsystem, one or more transportation user processingsubsystems, an advertising collection and processing subsystem, and afirst transportation communication subsystem associated with a firsttransportation system; the method comprising: determining, by thecontext processing subsystem, at least one context associated with theuser device, the determining comprising determining that the user iscoupled to the first transportation communication subsystem;transmitting, via the one or more interconnections, the determined atleast one context to the advertising collection and processing subsystemand the one or more transportation user processing subsystems;attributing, by the advertising collection and processing subsystem, afirst advertising revenue to the first transportation system; anddeducting, by the one or more transportation user processing subsystems,one or more portions from a ticket.
 52. The method of claim 51, furtherwherein: the one or more components comprises a second transportationcommunication subsystem associated with a second transportation system,the determining of the at least one context comprises determining thatthe user device is coupled to the second transportation communicationsubsystem; and attributing, by the advertising collection and processingsubsystem, a second advertising revenue to the second transportationsystem.
 53. The method of claim 51, further wherein: the one or moretransportation user processing subsystems comprises a firsttransportation user processing subsystem associated with the firsttransportation system; the determining of the at least one contextcomprises determining that the user is travelling within the firsttransportation system; and the one or more actions comprises the firsttransportation user processing subsystem deducting a first of the one ormore portions from the ticket based on the determined at least onecontext.
 54. The method of claim 53, further wherein: the one or moretransportation user processing subsystems comprises a secondtransportation user processing subsystem associated with a secondtransportation system; the determining of at least one context comprisesdetermining that the user is travelling within the second transportationsystem; and the second transportation user processing subsystem deductsa second of the one or more portions from the ticket based on thedetermined at least one context.
 55. The method of claim 51, furthercomprising: providing an application for installing on the user device,wherein an appearance of the application is based on the determined atleast one context.
 56. The method of claim 51, further comprising:providing an application for installing on the user device; the one ormore components comprises a journey management subsystem; transmitting,by the context processing subsystem, the determined at least one contextto the journey management subsystem via the one or moreinterconnections; and delivering, by the journey management subsystem, aservice alert to the user device via the provided application based onthe determined at least one context.
 57. The method of claim 56, furthercomprising the journey management enabling tracking on a map presentedby the application.
 58. The method of claim 51, further comprising: theone or more components comprises a location identification and trackingprocessing subsystem; identifying, by the location identification andtracking processing subsystem, a location associated with the userdevice; and the determining of the at least one context is performedbased on the identified location.
 59. The method of claim 51, furthercomprising: one or more external networks coupled to the one or morecomponents via the one or more interconnections, wherein the user deviceis coupled to the one or more components via the one or more externalnetworks; providing an application for installation on the user device;the determining of the at least one context comprises determining thatthe user device is coupled to the one or more components via the one ormore external networks; and restricting, by the provided application,access of the user device to one or more services and content providedby the one or more components based on the determining that the userdevice is coupled to the one or more components via the one or moreexternal networks.
 60. A system to enable a user with an associated userdevice to receive a context dependent transportation experience, furtherwherein the system comprises one or more components coupled to eachother and the user device via one or more interconnections, the one ormore components comprising: a context processing subsystem coupled tothe one or more transportation user processing subsystems via the one ormore interconnections, an advertising collection and processingsubsystem, a first transportation communication subsystem associatedwith a first transportation system, and one or more transportation userprocessing subsystems; the context processing subsystem determines atleast one context associated with the user and the user device, wherein:the determination of the at least one context comprises determining thatthe user device is coupled to the first transportation communicationsubsystem, the determination of the at least one context is performedeither automatically based on a set of user device signals sent by theuser device via the one or more interconnections, or based on a requesttransmitted from the user device via the one or more interconnections,the request comprising service set identifier data and auxiliary data,and transmits, via the one or more interconnections, the determined atleast one context to the advertising collection and processing subsystemand the one or more transportation user processing subsystems; theadvertising collection and processing subsystem attributes a firstadvertising revenue to the first transportation system; and the one ormore transportation user processing subsystems deducts one or moreportions from a ticket.